Earl Grey Tea Loaf with Scented Melon and Pineapple
Earl Grey Tea Loaf with Scented Melon and Pineapple Recipe - A Unique British Delight
Introduction
Earl Grey Tea Loaf with Scented Melon and Pineapple is a unique and flavorful dessert that combines the aromatic flavors of Earl Grey tea with the sweetness of raisins, melon, and pineapple. This recipe is perfect for tea lovers looking for a new and exciting way to enjoy their favorite beverage.
History
The Earl Grey Tea Loaf with Scented Melon and Pineapple recipe is a modern twist on traditional tea loaf recipes. Tea loaf, also known as fruit loaf, is a popular British dessert that dates back to the 19th century. It was originally made with leftover tea and dried fruits, making it a thrifty and delicious treat for afternoon tea.
Ingredients
- 2 cups + 2 tbsp hot brewed earl grey tea
- 1 cup raisins
- 2.5 cups flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 0.25 tsp cloves
- 0.25 tsp black pepper
- 0.5 cup butter
- 6 tbsp icing sugar, sifted
How to prepare
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C).
- Pour 2 cups of hot Earl Grey tea over the raisins and set them aside to soak.
- In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and spices.
- Cut in the butter until it is thoroughly blended.
- Add the tea with raisins and stir until the mixture is smooth.
- Pour the mixture into a loaf pan and bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a tester inserted in the center of the loaf comes out clean.
- Allow the loaf to cool for 10 minutes, then remove it from the pan.
- Stir together the remaining tea and icing sugar, then brush it over the loaf.
Variations
- Substitute the raisins with dried cranberries or apricots for a different flavor profile.
- Add chopped nuts such as walnuts or almonds for extra crunch.
Cooking Tips & Tricks
Make sure to soak the raisins in hot Earl Grey tea to plump them up and infuse them with flavor.
- Sift the dry ingredients together to ensure a light and fluffy loaf.
- Brushing the loaf with a tea and icing sugar mixture after baking adds a sweet and glossy finish.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Earl Grey Tea Loaf with Scented Melon and Pineapple with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent treat.
Cooking Techniques
Sifting the dry ingredients ensures a light and fluffy loaf.
- Brushing the loaf with a tea and icing sugar mixture after baking adds a sweet and glossy finish.
Ingredient Substitutions
Use any type of black tea if Earl Grey tea is not available.
- Substitute the butter with margarine for a dairy-free option.
Make Ahead Tips
Earl Grey Tea Loaf with Scented Melon and Pineapple can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Presentation Ideas
Slice the Earl Grey Tea Loaf with Scented Melon and Pineapple and arrange it on a platter with fresh fruit and a sprig of mint for a beautiful presentation.
Pairing Recommendations
Pair Earl Grey Tea Loaf with Scented Melon and Pineapple with a cup of hot Earl Grey tea for a perfect afternoon treat.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Store any leftover Earl Grey Tea Loaf with Scented Melon and Pineapple in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave a slice for 10-15 seconds.
Nutrition Information
Calories per serving
Each serving of Earl Grey Tea Loaf with Scented Melon and Pineapple contains approximately 280 calories.
Carbohydrates
Each serving of Earl Grey Tea Loaf with Scented Melon and Pineapple contains approximately 45g of carbohydrates.
Fats
Each serving of Earl Grey Tea Loaf with Scented Melon and Pineapple contains approximately 10g of fats.
Proteins
Each serving of Earl Grey Tea Loaf with Scented Melon and Pineapple contains approximately 3g of proteins.
Vitamins and minerals
This recipe is a good source of iron, vitamin C, and potassium.
Alergens
This recipe contains gluten and dairy.
Summary
Earl Grey Tea Loaf with Scented Melon and Pineapple is a delicious dessert that is relatively low in calories and provides a good amount of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It is also a good source of iron, vitamin C, and potassium.
Summary
Earl Grey Tea Loaf with Scented Melon and Pineapple is a delicious and aromatic dessert that is perfect for tea lovers. This recipe is easy to make and can be customized with different fruits and nuts. Enjoy a slice with a cup of tea for a delightful afternoon treat.
How did I get this recipe?
The first time I saw this recipe, I was drawn to it like a moth to a flame. It was a warm summer afternoon and I was visiting my dear friend Mrs. Jenkins. As we sat chatting in her cozy kitchen, she suddenly pulled out a tattered old cookbook and began flipping through the pages with a mischievous smile on her face.
"Ah, here it is!" she exclaimed, pointing to a yellowed recipe for Earl Grey Tea Loaf with Scented Melon and Pineapple. "This is one of my absolute favorite recipes. Would you like to give it a try, dear?"
I had never heard of such a unique combination of flavors before, but I was intrigued. Mrs. Jenkins handed me the recipe and I studied it carefully, taking in the instructions and imagining how the fragrant aromas of Earl Grey tea, melon, and pineapple would blend together in a delicious loaf.
Mrs. Jenkins guided me through the process, sharing her tips and tricks for perfecting the recipe. She explained how the Earl Grey tea would infuse the loaf with a subtle floral flavor, while the sweet melon and tangy pineapple would add a refreshing twist to the traditional tea bread.
As we mixed the ingredients together and poured the batter into the loaf pan, I felt a sense of excitement and anticipation building within me. Mrs. Jenkins winked at me and said, "Now we just have to wait for it to bake and then we can enjoy a slice with a cup of tea."
The aroma of the loaf baking in the oven filled the kitchen with a warm, comforting scent. I could hardly contain my excitement as I watched the loaf rise and turn a golden brown color. When it was finally ready, Mrs. Jenkins sliced a thick piece for each of us and we sat down at the kitchen table to savor the fruits of our labor.
The first bite was a revelation. The moist, tender crumb of the loaf melted in my mouth, while the flavors of Earl Grey tea, melon, and pineapple danced on my taste buds. It was a perfect balance of sweetness and tartness, with a hint of floral undertones that lingered on the palate.
As we enjoyed our tea loaf together, Mrs. Jenkins shared the story of how she had come across the recipe many years ago. She had been attending a tea party at a friend's house when she had first tasted the Earl Grey Tea Loaf with Scented Melon and Pineapple. She had been so impressed by the unique combination of flavors that she had begged her friend for the recipe, and had been making it ever since.
Mrs. Jenkins's eyes twinkled with nostalgia as she recounted the memories of baking the loaf for special occasions and sharing it with loved ones. She spoke of how the recipe had become a cherished tradition in her family, passed down from generation to generation.
As I listened to her story, I felt a deep sense of connection to the recipe and to Mrs. Jenkins herself. In that moment, I realized that cooking is not just about following instructions and mixing ingredients together. It is about creating memories, sharing stories, and connecting with others through the magic of food.
And so, the Earl Grey Tea Loaf with Scented Melon and Pineapple became a staple in my own repertoire of recipes. I have baked it countless times since that fateful day in Mrs. Jenkins's kitchen, each time with a sense of joy and gratitude for the culinary journey that brought me to this delicious creation.
As I sit here now, sipping a cup of tea and nibbling on a slice of Earl Grey Tea Loaf with Scented Melon and Pineapple, I am reminded of the power of food to bring people together, to evoke memories, and to create a sense of belonging. And for that, I am eternally grateful.